Contest-Winning Rhubarb Meringue Pie Recipe

My husband’s grandmother was a great cook and didn’t always share her secrets, so we are fortunate to have her recipe for rhubarb cream pie. I added one of my favorite crusts and a never-fail meringue. —Elaine Sampson, Colesburg, Iowa

Nutritional Facts

Directions

In a small bowl, combine flour, salt and sugar; cut in shortening until crumbly. Combine egg and vinegar; sprinkle over crumb mixture. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until easy to handle.

Place rhubarb in crust. Whisk the sugar, flour, salt, egg yolks and cream; pour over rhubarb. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

In a small saucepan, combine 4 teaspoons sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Add cornstarch mixture; beat on high until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved.

Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Store in the refrigerator.Yield: 6-8 servings.

Editor's Note: If using frozen rhubarb, measure rhubarb while still frozen, then thaw completely. Drain in a colander, but do not press liquid out.

Originally published as Rhubarb Meringue Pie in Taste of Home
April/May 2006, p31

"Perfect balance of sweet and tart. Crust is a very old family favorite, known by most as the "Pennsylvania Dutch" pie crust. The meringue is perfect, no weeping, just perfect! The filling is magnificent, very reminiscent of lemon meringue pie. Lovely. Wouldn't change a thing!"

"This is a great pie recipe. I had to bake it a bit longer than the recipe calls for - and the knife never did come out clean. I baked it until the crust looked done - about 70 min. in my 1950 gas oven. The pie set up nicely as it cooled. The meringue recipe is amazing. The meringue will hold up for 3 or 4 days (if your pie lasts that long!) I have made this pie for several occasions and it is a huge hit every time. My guests often tell me that this is the best pie they have ever eaten. A winner for sure."